The 30-year-old forward, who has moved on loan until July and will wear the number 29 shirt, scored 24 times in his 98 league appearances for the London club but had only started eight Premier League matches this term.

The Russia captain made his name in his homeland with Zenit, winning the title in 2007 and the UEFA Cup in 2008 during a nine-year spell which also produced 51 goals in 238 league matches.

Arshavin moved to England in February 2009 for a club record fee in the region of €16m after impressing in Russia's run to the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008, and now has 15 goals from 67 caps to his name. He will hope to lead his country in this summer's finals after Russia were drawn in Group A alongside Poland, Greece and Czech Republic.

Zenit take a 3-2 lead to SL Benfica for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, a competition that Arshavin made four appearances in during the group stage for Arsenal.

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